Details

CPU Clock Rate

3.5GHz

GPU Core Clock Rate

1.1GHz

GPU Effective Memory Clock Rate

5.0GHz

Description

My goal was to build the best PC possible for $500 - capable of handling video recording / rendering and light gaming. I don't think many people would dispute that Intel makes the best chips on the market, but I found that the best bang for my buck was definitely with AMD. The six-core processor I selected had a noisy and ineffective stock cooler so I invested in an aftermarket cooler that I have been really really happy with - keeps my chip running really cool without noticeable fan noise. I chickened out and used ceramic thermal paste (albeit a highly reviewed brand) because I didn't trust myself to avoid smearing some on the motherboard. I splurged a bit for the SSD drive that I installed my (questionably legit) copy of Windows 7 Ultimate x64 on but I think it was worth it - this machine is usable at the desktop in under 30 seconds from a cold boot and Windows / Sony Vegas runs incredibly fast. I'm really happy with how everything came together and with the performance I've been getting for the price!

Edit: My parts list didn't include the aftermarket cooler I used so I added that.

Also, the build total says $600 but when I purchased the parts the total was actually around $500. You can see if you look at the total price fluctuation under the completed build.

Also added a shot of the inside - I know the cable management is horrible. :P

I'm aware that you can get it for free, but it seems shady and like it could potentially give you viruses or something. Idk, I've just always been wary of illegal downloads. Can any problems arise from it?

Well, I'm 16 and have only used a computer outside of Microsoft word for about 6 months, and yet I know more about hardware than most people will in there entire lives. But yes, I am not very good with Windows or any OS for that matter. It's not that I am dumb or anything, I just don't have the experience I seek.

Hahaha , I'd pick FCPX for Editing if you own a Mac or can get OSX ( If you know what I mean :P ) Its simple to use , and great for light-med level editing. It will be cheaper I guess. IDK price tag , brought it quite a while back.

I'd love some pics of the inside , since thats what matters more.
Also your build went to 550$ if you didnt notice.
Although you still wasted money on the case and some on the GPU.
This is not the best for 550$ but surely is a good one.
But remember if its good for you , thats all that matters.

Nice build! Add some pics! Only suggestion I could have made is the SSD could have been a future upgrade. While it is nice, it doesn't really fit into that 500 dollar budget. Also, what's the case like? I know Raidmax aren't the best when it comes to PSUs, but I've yet to hear anything about their Cases.

Storage: Your SSD/HDD decision is completely clutch. Video editing is going to take for. god. damn. ever. With a SSD you are shaving off minutes from hours of compressed -> storage. Plus the fact that video files are ******* huge and you have to be loaded with money to be able to afford 1TB of SSD space. Descent deal on both drives, too.

Memory: Fits the build. Might be able to save $5 from a brand pushing a rebate.

CPU: Personally I would have gone with a Phenom II X4 960T. They are discontinued but considering your $500 budget/goals it might be worth it to find it on eBay. And the fact you are after market heat-sinking I would overclock/unlock the 2x cores to 6 cores.

GPU: Fits the build. I personally would spend an extra couple of hours finding the exact fit.

Case: Comes down to preference. For a budget case you could do better.

Power Supply: Shave a few dollars off of the case and put it towards a better PSU.

Recommendations: Any money you can use to make this build more effiecent/effective I would put towards an additional 8 gigs of RAM and keep it under $500.

Note: Do not purchase full windows. Download a consumer copy of any version of Win 7 (enterprise is what I went for) and push the registration time through run/regedit. IF you are selling purchase an OEM copy of whatever version your customer wants.

Edit: I'm an *** and just learning the website didn't realize it was the final build. OP did an incredible job with his build and I would recommend any budget minded editor/gamer to follow in his footsteps.

i wouldve gone with a better mobo for sure. you could've found a cheaper case that looks a little more professional, would've not worried about an SSD especially if you're not doing much gaming. the video card could be better, but it will suit fine as long as you stick to that "light gaming" idea of yours. also, where's your optical drive?

Yeah not getting a mobo with 6gb/s sata was a mistake but I can address it with an expansion card. I cannibalized my first build for the optical drive - only used it to install Windows and then disconnected it as it is really noisy. :P